Detectives investigating the death of a man in County Durham have charged four people with murder.
Two men and two women have all been remanded in custody and will appear in court on Thursday morning accused of murdering 36-year-old dad John Littlewood.
James Riley, 30, and Donna Balfour, 35, both of Ninth Street, Blackhall Colliery, have both been charged with murder and intimidation of a witness.
Marty Bates, 29, and Tracey Bunney, 44, both of Tenth Street, Blackhall Colliery, have both been charged with murder.
All four will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.
A 31-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released under investigation.
The body of John – known as John D – was found in a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on July 30.
Durham Constabulary confirmed that he died as a result of head injuries.
